Tuesday 4 June 2019

Mind not muscle?

Okaasan really is stronger than we thought - it's the brain power that is lacking.

Yesterday at the care home we found her in an ordinary chair by the TV.
She needed a toilet trip, so the staff brought the walking frame and guided Okaasan to stand up from the chair and...holding onto the table... to shuffle sideways and and shuffle some more into the frame.

She really could do it. It was surprising.

But she doesn't do it of her own volition. Each movement - hand grasp for support and foot movement - was guided, She just waited to be told what to do next.

I guess it's a bit of both. We, and care home staff, have over-supported her and she has got used to that and lost the power to make a decision about what to do next.

Anyway. Good visit.
We walked to the temple gardens with the wheelchair and had an ice cream in a convenience store.Shared some laughs.

I haven't been to see her in weeks...but of course she doesn't know that. Just smiley and happy to see me....and him. 
Onwards into summer :-)